System, computer program, and method for online, real-time delivery of consumer tax services

ABSTRACT

A system, a method, and a computer program for performing an online, real-time tax consultation for preparation of a client&#39;s taxes by a tax agent, wherein the tax agent is remote from the client, and the system is implemented via an electronic, online application accessible via a communications network. Embodiments allow for a client desiring tax preparation of a tax return to initiate the tax preparation with a tax agent via an online, integrated platform; electronically upload or otherwise push the client&#39;s tax-related information and documents to the tax agent; participate in an online tax consultation so that the tax agent may investigate, learn, or otherwise obtain the tax information necessary for completing the client&#39;s tax return; and electronically approve and file the completed tax return.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a non-provisional utility application andclaims priority benefit, with regard to all common subject matter, ofearlier-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “SYSTEM,METHOD, AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR A VIRTUAL TAX OFFICE,” Ser. No.61/388,907, filed Oct. 1, 2010. The identified earlier-filed applicationis hereby incorporated by reference into the present application in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system, a computerprogram, and a method for delivering consumer tax services via anonline, real-time, and secure platform. More particularly, embodimentsof the present invention relate to a system, a computer program, and amethod for allowing a client and a tax agent to perform an online,real-time tax consultation to assist the tax agent in the preparation ofthe client's tax return.

2. Related Art

Existing face-to-face consumer tax services, including tax preparationservices, allow clients to have tax returns prepared by a tax agent byvisiting the tax agent at a retail office location, i.e., a traditional“brick and mortar” location. Typically this service requires the clientprint and bring in the client's tax documentation, which the tax agentthen uses to complete a tax return on the client's behalf. The tax agentconsultations or otherwise consults with the client as part of thepreparation service to ensure that the tax return is accuratelycompleted, while maximizing available tax breaks to minimize theclient's tax liability. Once completed, the tax agent reviews the returnwith the client. The tax agent may also offer the client additionalproducts and services, such as extended service guarantees or bankproducts. The client is asked to approve the return and pay for theservice. Once the client pays the tax preparation fees and approves thereturn, the tax agent files the return on the client's behalf.

Many clients do not prefer the in-person interaction with the tax agentdue to the scheduling limitations of the tax agent, the time to travelto and wait for the tax agent, and other preferences of the client.Therefore, the client may undertake to utilize tax preparation softwarethat assists the client in the client preparing his/her tax return.However, many clients also do not like this self-preparation software,as it lacks the expertise of having a tax agent prepare the tax return.Such is even the case if the software provides access to a tax agent ona question-by-question basis. Even with software that includes thisfeature, the client is required to undertake formulating their questionsand insuring that the tax agent has the relevant information. As can beappreciated, the difficulty in self-preparation of one's taxes is oftenthat the taxpayer does not know the correct tax questions to ask or howtheir tax liability can be decreased or limited.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system, a computer program, and amethod that allows the client to benefit from having a tax agent preparethe return while still not requiring the client to visit the tax agent.Moreover, there is a need for a system, a computer program, and a methodthat allows for an integrated, seamless tax consultation between theclient and the tax agent that can be performed at the client'sconvenience and that provides documentation of the tax consultation.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspectsand advantages of the present invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanyingdrawing figures.

Embodiments of the present invention are a system, a computer program,and a method for performing consumer tax services via a online,real-time, and secure platform. More particularly, embodiments of thepresent invention provide for an online, real-time tax consultation forpreparation of a client's taxes by a tax agent, wherein the tax agent isremote from the client, and the system is implemented via an electronic,online application accessible via a communications network. The systemcomprises a plurality of modules that are implemented via the computerprogram and that perform the steps of the method. Embodiments of thepresent invention broadly allow for a client desiring tax preparation ofa tax return to initiate the tax preparation with a tax agent via anonline platform; electronically upload or otherwise push the client'stax-related information and documents to the tax agent or allow the taxagent to pull the tax-related information and documents from sources oftax information; participate in an online tax consultation so that thetax agent may investigate, learn, or otherwise obtain the taxinformation necessary for completing the client's tax return; andelectronically approve and file the completed tax return. The systembroadly comprises a start-up module; a tax consultation module; a clientmodule; a shared information module; a tax agent module; and a taxcompletion module. The start-up module includes a registration interfacefor receipt of minimal registration information from the client, and ascheduler interface for allowing the client to locate a tax agent forpreparation of the client's taxes.

The tax consultation module allows for an online, real-time taxconsultation between the client and the tax agent. The tax consultationmodule includes a multi-communication feed including an electronic chatinterface for communication between the client and the tax agent duringthe tax consultation and via written word, and a conferencing feed forallowing the tax agent and the client to communicate via at least one ofvideo and audio.

The client module presents a client view for display to and viewing bythe client. The client module includes a tax information portal thatincludes at least one prompt for requesting the client to entertax-related personal information.

The shared information module allows for electronic uploading oftax-related documents by the client for review by the tax agent and forreview of tax forms by the client. The shared information module isfurther operable to electronically source tax-related information fromthe uploaded tax-related document and use the sourced tax-relatedinformation for completion of one or more tax forms.

The tax agent module presents a tax agent view for display to andviewing by the tax agent. The tax agent module includes a documentreview interface for allowing the tax agent to review, organize, andannotate the uploaded tax-related documents. Additionally, the documentreview interface allows the tax agent to post to the shared informationmodule an at least partially completed tax return for review by theclient prior to filing the tax return with a government taxingauthority.

The tax completion module allows for receipt of an electronic signatureof the client indicating approval of the tax return. The tax completionmodule also allows for receipt of payment from the client. Finally, thetax completion module is operable to electronically submit the taxreturn to the government taxing authority.

In further embodiments of the present invention, the system includes anoperations module for operation oversight and management of the deliveryof the consumer tax services via the online, real-time system. Thesystem further includes a training module for tax agents to assist withtraining of the tax agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below withreference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a plurality of modules forperforming an online, real-time tax consultation for preparation of aclient's taxes according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware of a system for theplurality of modules of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for performing the plurality ofmodules of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 4-12 are screen captures of a computer program of embodiments ofthe present invention.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specificembodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the invention references theaccompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describeaspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized andchanges can be made without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is definedonly by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents towhich such claims are entitled.

Embodiments of the present invention include a system 10, a computerprogram, and a method for delivering consumer tax services via anonline, real-time, and secure (e.g., encrypted) platform. “Consumer taxservices” comprises a plurality of varied services, including completetax return preparation by a tax agent of a client's taxes; answering oftax-related questions, including for clients who prepare their own taxreturns; reviewing a tax return prepared by the client or a third party;and reviewing of tax events that may affect the client's tax liability.The above list of consumer tax services is not intended to be exhaustivebut rather exemplary of the types of consumer tax services that can beprovided via embodiments of the present invention. For ease of referenceherein, embodiments of the present invention will be described withrespect to preparation of the client's tax return, although such shouldnot be construed as limiting of the services delivered or available tobe performed by embodiments of the present invention.

Further, as used herein, a “tax agent” is one who provides the consumertax services to the client. In some embodiments, the tax agent is onewho prepares one or more tax forms comprising a tax return forsubmission to a government taxing authority. In other embodiments, thetax agent may be one who answers the client's tax questions or assiststhe client in identifying and collecting tax-related documents. In evenfurther embodiments, the tax agent may be one who manages or supervisedother tax agents. Therefore, tax agent as used herein is intended toencompass any person that provides consumer tax services or any personor entity within an organization that provides consumer tax services. A“client” is one who is desiring the consumer tax service, such asassistance with or preparation of the tax return. In embodiments of thepresent invention, the client is an individual; however, alternativeembodiments of the present invention allow for the client to be abusiness or small corporate entity.

As discussed in detail below, the system 10 is implemented across acommunications network, such as the Internet, via a website or astand-alone application, such as a mobile application. The system 10comprises a plurality of modules that, when implemented, perform thesteps of the method of embodiments of the present invention. Thecomputer program of embodiments of the present invention comprises aplurality of executable code segments that perform the method steps. Thesystem of the present invention will be broadly discussed herein withspecific reference to the computer program and method as applicable. Itis to be understood, however, that implementation of the system performsthe method steps, as noted above.

Embodiments of the present invention broadly allow for a client desiringpreparation of a tax return or delivery of another consumer tax serviceto initiate the tax preparation with a tax agent via an online platform;electronically upload or otherwise push the client's tax-relatedinformation and documents to the tax agent or allow the tax agent topull the tax-related information and documents from sources of taxinformation; participate in an online tax consultation so that the taxagent may investigate, learn, or otherwise obtain the tax informationnecessary for completing the client's tax return; and electronicallyapprove and file the completed tax return. The tax preparation can beperformed entirely electronically, such that the client is remote fromthe tax agent. In embodiments of the present invention, the computerprogram is accessible via any Internet-enabled computing device,including a PC or a laptop or any mobile communications device, such asa tablet or smartphone. The system of embodiments of the presentinvention is fully integrated into a single platform or application,such that the computing device used by the client and/or the tax agentto perform the steps of embodiments of the present invention does notrequire additional specialized software or applications, beyond thecomputer program of the present invention and well-known multimediaprograms, such as FLASH®.

System Module Description:

As noted above, the system 10 includes a plurality of modules broadlycomprising a start-up module 12; a tax consultation module 14; a clientmodule 16; a shared information module 18; a tax agent module 20; and atax completion module 22. In further embodiments of the presentinvention, the system 10 includes an operations module 76 and a trainingmodule 78, discussed in further detail below. The client module 16 andtax agent module 20 communicate via the tax consultation module 14. Someof the modules comprise shared modules, such as the start-up module 12,the shared information module 18, and the tax completion module 22. Inthese shared modules, information is passed between the client and thetax agent to assist in preparation of the tax return.

As discussed in detail below, each module performs a variety offunctions and steps implemented via a plurality of executable codesegments stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Theinformation provided during the tax consultation discussed herein (e.g.,the below-discussed multi-communication and conferencing feeds and thetax-related documents) is stored and retrievable by both the client andthe tax agent.

The start-up module 12 includes a registration interface 24 and ascheduler interface 26. In embodiments of the present invention, uponthe client accessing the computer program, the client is directed to thehome or start-up screen introducing the client to the online taxpreparation application. As used herein, “screen” encompasses a visualwindow, including a pop-up window, that may have a plurality ofgraphical objects, including hyperlinks, selectable icons, toolbars,controls, or other similar objects, for navigating a user to functionsor processes performed by the computer program of embodiments of thepresent invention. The screen may further be an input receipt screen forreceiving information inputted by the user, including a text box forreceiving typed text, a selectable icon, or receipt of gestures by theuser, such as swiping, pinching, or other similar input methods.

Upon the client indicating interest in beginning a tax preparationsession, such as by selecting an icon labeled “Begin a Tax Return,” aregistration interface 24 is presented to the client, as illustrated inFIG. 4. The registration interface 24 requests minimal registrationinformation from the client so as to assist the system in identifying orlocating a tax agent knowledgeable regarding any specific expertiserequired for preparation of the client's tax return. The minimalregistration information includes a zip code or other geographicalinformation for the client and an identification of the needed expertisefor the client. A pop-up window is presented to the client to input thezip code and to select one or more expertise requirements, such asinvestments, military personnel as wage earners, loss from disaster ortheft, etc. In even further embodiments of the present invention, theneeded expertise for the client may include a particular language spokenby the tax agent so that the client and tax agent may more easilycommunicate.

Should the client have accessed the system 10 of the present inventionfor prior tax years, the system stores the client's tax-relatedinformation for use in subsequent years, as further discussed below.Therefore, in some circumstances, the client may need not enter minimalregistration information to begin the tax consultation. Instead, theclient may enter account information, such as username and password,associated with the client's account. The system 10 then retrieves thestored information for the client and uses the information for beginningthe present year's tax consultation.

To facilitate matching of the client with a tax agent having thenecessary expertise, the expertise or credentials for each tax agent areknown and stored by the system. Upon receipt from the client of therequired expertise, the system 10 locates tax agents with the indicatedexpertise. As will be discussed below with respect to the computerprogram of embodiments of the present invention, the expertise of thetax agents and other data for storage and retrieval by the system 10 aremanaged via a relational database management system (“RDMS”) or otherdatabase management system, as is known in the art.

The scheduler interface 26 of the start-up module 12 allows the clientto locate or search for a tax agent based on a variety of preferredcriteria, including a tax agent having the indicated expertise and thatis presently available, a tax agent having the indicated expertise andfor which an appointment for a tax consultation can be scheduled, and aspecific tax agent as indicated by the client. Moreover, in embodimentsof the present invention, the scheduler interface 26 locates tax agentsbased on criteria including the geographic proximity of the tax agent tothe client. In determining the geographic proximity of the tax agent tothe client, the location of the tax agent is known and stored by thesystem, and this location is compared to the client's location providedvia receipt of the client's zip code. In alternative embodiments of thepresent invention, the location of the client may be known based on aGPS system 80 or other tracking system associated with the client device54, including the client's mobile communications device. As such, thesystem 10 may be operable to automatically receive the client's locationand input the location (either by zip code or other preferredidentifier) into the system 10 for locating of and matching with the taxagent.

It should be understood that the system 10 can rank the criteria for thetax agent according to any preferred ranking metric. For example, thesystem 10 could first filter the tax agents for matching with the clientbased on the known languages of the tax agent, then based on thetax-related expertise of the agent, and then based on the agent'sgeographical proximity. Other ranking filters and metrics could also beapplied.

As illustrated in the screen capture of FIG. 5, the system 10 allows theclient to select the “available now” tax agents based on the closestgeographic proximity to the client. If there are no available tax agentswithin a select proximity, such as one hundred miles, then the availabletax agents within the client's state are identified. If there are noavailable tax agents within the client's state, then tax agentsavailable nationally with the required expertise to prepare the client'sstate tax return are identified. As can be appreciated, other criteriafor identification and selection of a tax agent for the particularrequirements of the client can be used. However, most tax agents will bematched with the client based on tax-related expertise, languageexpertise, geographic proximity to the client (including whether the taxagent is qualified for preparing the state tax return), and the client'spreferred availability of the tax agent (i.e., client prefers a taxagent that is presently available for the tax consultation versusscheduling an appointment with the tax agent).

Should the client choose to make an appointment with the tax agent, theclient can select a “Find a Specific Tax Pro” tab 28 and schedule anappointment, as illustrated in the screen capture of FIG. 6. Regardlessof the client searching for tax agents currently available versusscheduling a tax consultation, once the system 10 narrows the tax agentsbased on the client's criteria to a set list, the tax agents are listedfor the client to view and select, as illustrated in the screen capturesof FIGS. 5 and 6. An icon or other visual indicator may be displayednext to each tax agent's listing to indicate the agent's currentavailability (e.g., online, offline, with another customer, etc.). Theclient may obtain even further information regarding a particular taxagent by selecting to review the agent's profile link 30. The profileinformation may include the experience of the tax agent, the location ofthe agent, language(s) spoken by the tax agent, and other curriculumvitae information helpful for selection by the client. The listing ofthe tax agents may also include a photograph 32 of each agent.

Once the client has selected the tax agent, a tax consultation sessionis started via the tax consultation module 14. Referring to the screencapture of FIG. 7, the tax consultation is held between the client andthe tax agent in real-time and completely online (with the exception ofan audio connection, as discussed below). In alternative embodiments,some aspects of the tax consultation may be in-person based on apreference of the client.

The tax consultation module 14 includes a multi-communication feed 34and a conferencing feed 36. In embodiments of the present invention, themulti-communication feed 34 is an electronic chat interface accessibleto both the client and the tax agent for communication between theparties during the tax consultation. The chat interface comprises a chatfeed, as illustrated in FIG. 7, through which either party maycommunicate with the other party via the written word, i.e., by typingthe communication into an input box 38. In embodiments of the presentinvention, the multi-communication feed 34 includes a languagetranslator for automatically translating any text typed by either of thetax agent and client to a preferred language of the recipient of thetranslated text.

Within the chat feed, the chat interface may also include changeableicons 40 that indicate when certain tasks have been performed. Thus, forexample, in the screen capture of FIG. 7, upon the client creating anaccount, the chat interface may automatically provide an indication inthe chat feed that the account creation step is complete. In embodimentsof the present invention, the completion of tasks necessary forpreparing the client's tax return may be viewable by the parties andautomatically updated by the system 10. For example and as discussed inmore detail below, upon uploading by the client of his/her W-2, thesystem may note that receipt of the W-2 is complete and automaticallyupdate both the client and tax agent of such. Additionally, the taxagent may manually indicate completion of a task, upon which the systemautomatically updates the client that such task is complete.

The multi-communication feed 34 is preferably stored by the system 10and retrievable by the other party in its entirety. This allows eitherparty to have a record of the discussion between the parties and toreview the information provided therein. Moreover, themulti-communication 34 feed is also text, date, or otherparameter-searchable to allow either party to quickly locate aparticular discussion topic.

Although the multi-communication feed 34 has been specifically discussedwith respect to a chat interface, the multi-communication feed 34 alsoencompasses other modes of electronic communication between the taxagent and the client. For example, the multi-communication feed 34includes any e-mails, texts, and telephone calls sent from one of theparties to the other party. Further, the multi-communication feed 34encompasses status updates automatically generated by the system 10 orinitiated by the tax agent. As also discussed below, these statusupdates are automatically generated by the system upon completion of acertain task, such as receipt of particular financial information orconfirmation that the tax return has been accepted by the governmenttaxing authority. The status update is sent to the client module 16 viathe system 10. In alternative embodiments, the status update or noticeof the status update (i.e., an indication to the client that he/sheshould access the system 10 for the status update) is communicated viathe multi-communication feed 34 to the client via text, e-mail, or otherpreferred electronic communication mode.

The conferencing feed 36 of the tax consultation module 14 allows forthe client and the tax agent to perform the tax consultation via a videoconference (including either or both of video and audio and either orboth of the tax agent and the client), via an audio-only connection, orvia a video connection that is optionally followed by a telephone call.When using the video conference option, the client may selectivelychoose to be visible to the tax agent, such that the client and the taxagent are both viewed in a pane on the respective party's display.Alternatively, if the client prefers to have no video connection (or theclient does not have a webcam), the client can choose to have anaudio-only connection through a suitable communications network. Inembodiments of the present invention, the conferencing feed 36 isviewable by the parties at all times during the tax consultation or atthe selection of the client. Similar to the multi-communication feed 34,the conferencing feed 36 may also stored by the system 10 andretrievable by either party in alternative embodiments of the presentinvention.

The client module 16 of embodiments of the present invention presents aclient view that is specific to the client and different from thedisplay for the tax agent. The client module 16 includes a clientaccount interface for creation of a client account, a tax informationportal 42 for entering of tax-related personal information, and achecklist for action items or tasks (both completed and to becompleted). In embodiments of the present invention, the client accountinterface and the tax information portal 42 may be the sameinterface/screen(s).

As discussed above, prior to beginning the tax consultation, the clientis requested to provide minimal registration information to assist inmatching the client with a particular tax agent. In embodiments of thepresent invention, additional tax-related personal information is neededfrom the client to complete preparation of the tax return. As such, theclient module 16 includes the client account interface and the taxinformation portal 42 to prompt the client for and to receive theadditional tax-related information. Alternatively, the system 10 ofembodiments of the present invention could be implemented where theclient account is created prior to beginning the tax consultation andprior to matching the client with a tax agent, or the tax-relatedpersonal information could be obtained earlier in the consultationprocess. For example, in embodiments of the present invention, thechecklist of tax-related documents needed for preparation of the taxreturn is provided at the beginning of the tax consultation andgenerally contemporaneously with receiving the minimal registrationinformation from the client. Thus, it is to be understood that certaininformation is required from the client to begin and complete the taxconsultation and tax preparation process. This information can becollected from the client piecemeal or collectively at the same time andcould be collected at varying times during the tax preparation session,including during the tax consultation.

It should also be understood that in some instances, the client may beconfirming or validating previously-stored tax-related information.Thus, as used herein, “entering” of tax-related information by theclient encompasses manual entry of the information and/or confirming theaccuracy of the information, editing the information, or validating theinformation, including previously-stored or entered information, and“receipt” of the tax-related information by the system 10 encompassesthe above-described “entering” steps by the client.

Referring to FIG. 8, a pop-up screen 44 is presented to the client inthe tax information portal 42 for receipt of the client's tax-relatedpersonal information, such as full name, Social Security Number,address, etc. In embodiments of the present invention, the informationinputted by the client is automatically entered on one or more tax formsprepared as a result of the tax consultation. Thus, inputting of theinformation by the client reduces the need for the tax agent to manuallyinput the information, which further reduces input or transcriptionerrors. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the tax agent couldspecifically request certain tax-related personal information, such asthe client's Social Security Number, via the multi-communication feed 34or via the audio connection from the conferencing feed 36. In evenfurther embodiments of the present invention, upon the client enteringinformation having known forms, such as a nine-digit Social SecurityNumber, into the chat feed, the system automatically recognizes the formof the text entry as a Social Security Number and in turn, automaticallyenters this information on one or more tax forms.

In embodiments of the present invention, the client view in the clientmodule 16 includes the checklist for action items or tasks (bothcompleted and to be completed). The checklist is automatically updatedby the system 10 upon completion of the particular task. In alternativevariations and as discussed above, the multi-communication feed 34indicates completion of a task, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The checklistmay be accessed by the client at any time so that the client candetermine what tasks have been completed and what tasks still need to becompleted. Exemplary tasks include uploading of the necessarytax-related documents, as described below, receipt of all necessarytax-related personal information from the client, completion of the taxreturn or tax forms, approval of the tax return/forms by the client,payment by the client for the tax preparation, and submission of the taxreturn/forms to the appropriate government taxing authority. Asdiscussed above, the system may automatically update a particular taskupon determining the task is complete, such as receipt of the client'sW-2 or receipt of the client's payment. Alternatively, the tax agent maymanually select that a task is complete.

The shared information module 18 of embodiments of the present inventionprovides for electronic uploading of tax-related documents by the clientfor review by the tax agent, electronic sharing of the documents, andreview by the client of tax forms or completed tax return data preparedby the tax agent. The shared information module 18 essentially allowsfor uploading, pulling, or otherwise pushing to the system 10, and forselectively pushing to the parties, the tax-related documents, taxforms, and the completed tax return data.

In more detail, it is well-known that the client is provided with manytax-related documents that must in turn be provided to the tax agent forpreparation of the tax return. Depending on the client, the client'semployer, and any other companies from which the client receivestax-related documents, said documents may be provided to the clientin-person, via regular mail, electronically provided, or downloadablefrom the company's website. Embodiments of the present invention providefor uploading of the documents in an electronic format, such as a .pdf,.doc, JPEG, etc.

“Uploading” of the documents as described herein includes the clientmanually uploading a document to the system 10, the client instructingthat the document be electronically pushed to the system 10 of thepresent invention, or the tax agent pulling the document from a sourceof tax-related documents for the client, including the client's payrollprovider, the client's financial management software, the client'smortgage company, and other known sources. For example, the client canrequest or select that a digital copy of the document held at athird-party source, such as the client's banking website, beelectronically sent to the system of the present invention. In instanceswhere the client does not have a digital copy of a document, the clientcan fax, e-mail, or regular mail copies of the tax-related document tothe tax agent, or the client can drop off the tax-related documents atthe tax agent's office or place of business. As also described below,the client can take a digital photograph of the document, such as withthe client's mobile communications device, and upload the photograph ofthe document to the system 10. In even further embodiments, “uploading”of the document can encompass the client and/or tax agent holding thedocument up to a webcam associated with the client/tax agent device54,56 so that the other party can view the document.

In embodiments of the present invention, the shared information module18 includes a listing for review by the client of common tax-relateddocuments. This listing identifies for the client documents that theclient needs to obtain for the tax preparation session. As noted above,the listing may also be provided to the client at the beginning of thetax consultation generally contemporaneously with receiving the minimalregistration information from the client. The client may then upload thedocuments to the shared information module 18. The client may upload thedocuments prior to beginning the tax preparation session with the agent,if preferred. The listing includes a reference and selectable link to aparticular tax-related document, such as a W-2. The client then selectsthe link to the particular document to perform the uploading to theshared information module 18. The module electronically stores thedocuments in a secure database or vault that is accessible by the clientand the tax agent at any time and for a year to several years subsequentto the current tax year. In circumstances where the client prefers tohave the document pushed to the shared information module 18 from athird party, the shared information module is operable to recognize thetype of document (e.g., W-2, 1099, etc.) and the client for whom thedocument pertains. In even further embodiments of the present invention,the client may take a digital photograph of the document and upload thephotograph to the shared information module 18. The module will thenidentify or label the uploaded photograph as the appropriate documentand further electronically source the photograph, as described below.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the system 10 may allow thetax agent limited access to the client's financial management softwareand financial accounts to obtain the necessary documentation andinformation for preparing and completing the tax return. For example, ifthe client has an online or Internet-accessible bank account, the clientmay establish preferences within its account for the tax agent toaccess, download, or otherwise retrieve or pull certain items ofinformation or tax-related documents. The system 10 then automaticallypulls the necessary documents and information from the client'sthird-party financial sources and populates the tax return asappropriate. This relieves the client from pushing or otherwiseuploading the documents to the system 10.

In embodiments of the present invention, the shared information module18 is operable to electronically source tax-related information from theuploaded tax-related document (or photograph, as the case may be) anduse the sourced tax-related information for completion of one or moretax forms. “Electronic sourcing” as used herein defines any process forelectronically translating a document, regardless of file type, toobtain from the document the content provided thereon. Exemplaryelectronic sourcing processes include optical character recognition(“OCR”), optical word recognition (“OWR”), intelligent characterrecognition, and other similar forms of electronic characterrecognition. Electronic sourcing is not necessarily limited to text(handwritten or typed) but can further include bar codes, QR codes, orother non-text matrix codes provided on the document and that aremachine readable.

Upon electronically sourcing the information on the tax-relateddocuments, including, for example, electronically translating the texton the documents into machine readable form, the shared informationmodule 18 is operable to use the sourced information on the forms forcompletion of the tax return. In particular, the shared informationmodule 18 is operable to automatically fill-in the tax return or inputthe information on the forms, as appropriate. Alternatively, the sharedinformation module 18 can input the information into a tax calculatorused by the tax agent for preparation of the tax form. In embodiments ofthe present invention, the shared information module 18 automaticallycategorizes or otherwise organizes the information obtained from thedocuments and provides the information to the tax agent in an organized,easily-useable manner. At any time, both during and outside the taxconsultation, the client and the tax agent can select and view anydocument.

It is noted that embodiments of the present invention are described withrespect to preparing or completing a tax form or return. The tax form orreturn should not be construed to only cover a pre-set form that isoften used by government taxing authorities, such as a Form 1040 used bythe U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Instead, a tax form or return alsoencompasses the completed tax data that is sent to the government taxingauthority by the tax agent for serving as the client's completed “taxreturn.” In particular, the electronic submission of a “tax return” by atax agent often encompasses submission of the completed tax data, asopposed to submission of a tax return form, such as a 1040. Therefore,reference to completing the tax form or return herein also encompassespreparation, completion, or compilation of the relevant tax datacorresponding to the client's tax return.

The tax agent module 20 of embodiments of the present invention presentsthe tax agent view specific to the tax agent. In particular, each taxagent may adjust the tax agent view according to their preferences.However, it is foreseen that most tax agents will want to view themulti-communication feed 34, the conferencing feed 36, the list ofuploaded documents, and at least some of the client's tax-relatedpersonal information. In alternative embodiments of the presentinvention, the tax agent view may also include a checklist, similar tothe checklist provided in the client view, to indicate completion ofvarious tasks or selection of uploaded documents. The checklist in thetax agent view may be helpful to the tax agent to provide a quickreference of what tasks the client has completed (e.g., uploading of thenecessary tax-related documents).

In embodiments of the present invention, the tax agent module 20includes a document review interface for allowing the tax agent toreview, organize, and annotate the uploaded tax-related documents. Thetax agent may select a document from the list of uploaded documents.Upon selection, the document will be presented to the tax agent in thetax agent view. The tax agent may review the document for the necessaryinformation. Additionally, the tax agent may mark, tag, or otherwiseelectronically and non-destructively annotate the document using aplurality of annotation programs provided in the tax agent view.Exemplary annotation programs include highlighting, inserting a commentor text box on the document, and otherwise electronically marking thedocument. The tax agent's annotations are stored with the document, sothat the tax agent can view the document with or without theannotations. In embodiments of the present invention, the client isrestricted from viewing the annotations, although this could be modifiedbased on user preferences. In even further alternative embodiments ofthe present invention, the tax agent may identify a particularannotation as being acceptable for viewing by the client, such that thetax agent may selectively choose what annotations the client can view.

In embodiments of the present invention, the tax agent can select adocument for viewing by the client, such that the document is beingreviewed simultaneously by the client and the tax agent in the sharedinformation module 18. In this embodiment, at least a portion of thewindows for each of the client's and tax agent's views is a shared view,such that anything presented, uploaded, or otherwise placed in theshared view is viewable by both parties. In the shared view, the taxagent can annotate the document “on-the-fly” or in real-time, such thatthe tax agent can perform the annotations while discussing the same withthe client via the conferencing feed 36. The client would then be ableto see the annotations and quickly understand or appreciate thediscussion topic. Alternatively, the tax agent may point to or selectparticular items of information on the document for discussion. In evenfurther alternatives, the user preferences may be set so that the clientcan annotate the document, such that the client view also includes oneor more annotation programs.

The tax agent may also use the document review interface to post to theshared information module 18 at least partially completed tax forms forreview by the client prior to filing or submitting said tax forms withthe appropriate government taxing authority. For example, after the taxagent has completed a particular tax form, the tax agent may post orotherwise make accessible the completed tax form 46 to the sharedinformation module 18. The client would then be able to view thedocument in one of the client or shared views, as illustrated in thescreen capture of FIG. 9 (illustrating the client view of a completedtax form).

As discussed above, the client view varies from the tax agent view. Thisfurther applies to the multi-communication feed 34, wherein themulti-communication feed 34 in the client view for the client module 16may be different than the multi-communication feed 34 in the tax agentview for the tax agent module 20. As illustrated in FIG. 12, themulti-communication feed 34 may include a notation that certaindocuments have been uploaded or may automatically update the tax agentwith completed tasks.

The tax completion module 22 is the final component of the system 10 ofembodiments of the present invention and allows for receipt of theclient's approval of the tax return/forms (including the prepared taxreturn data, as discussed above), for receipt of an electronic signatureof the client, for receipt of payment for the tax return preparation,for receipt of bank information for withdrawal of a payment to thegovernment taxing authority or for depositing of a tax refund, and forelectronic submission of the completed tax return/form. Once the taxagent has completed preparation of the client's tax return/forms, thetax agent submits an indication of such to the system 10, which then inturn notifies the client of the completed return, such as via an e-mail,text, phone call, or as a posting on the client view. The client mayreview the tax return/form and any accompanying documents by selecting alabeled tab, link, or icon 48 on the client view, such as “Review TaxReturn.” In embodiments of the present invention, the client is providedwith a summary in the client view of the client's taxes for the taxyear, as illustrated in the screen capture of FIG. 10. The client mayaccess the summary view by selecting a labeled tab, link, or icon 50 inthe client view.

To confirm the client's approval of the tax return/form, the system 10prompts the client to approve the return and/or otherwise provide theclient's electronic signature 52, as illustrated in the screen captureof FIG. 11. In embodiments of the present invention, the electronicsignature of the client may be the same as or otherwise indicate theclient's approval of the tax return/forms. The electronic signature ofthe client may be a marking or checking of a box or providing of otherinput to the system 10 by the client and indicating the client'ssignature. The client's electronic signature 52 may be the client'styped name in an input box, the client's biometric indicia, such as afingerprint, or receipt of an electronic, handwritten signature providedby the client on an electronic signature pad. In embodiments of thepresent invention, the checklist provided in the tax agent's view isupdated to include receipt of the client's approval, or the tax agent isotherwise informed of the client's approval.

The tax completion module 22 also provides for receipt of a payment fromthe client for preparation of the tax return. In embodiments of thepresent invention, after, before, or generally contemporaneously withthe client approving the tax return/forms, the client is provided with apayment input screen in the client view. The client can select paymentby known methods, including a debit or credit card. At this time, thesystem 10 also requests whether the client wants to receive any taxrefund electronically and obtains the necessary banking information. Inalternative embodiments of the present invention, the client may also bepresented with other financial offerings, such as receipt of a refundanticipation check as opposed to direct deposit of the tax refund in theclient's bank account or a choice to receive a refund on a prepaid card.Should the client owe a payment to the government taxing authority, thetax completion module requests the client provide its preferred form ofpayment (e.g., send a check or other direct payment to the taxingauthority or automatic withdrawal from the client's bank account) andthe appropriate information for completing the form of payment (e.g.,the bank account information).

Upon receipt of the client's payment, the system 10 submits the client'stax return/forms (or completed tax return data, as the case may be) tothe appropriate government taxing authority. If the taxing authorityaccepts electronic submissions, the system attends to electronicsubmission of the tax return/forms. The system 10 provides acommunication to the client, such as via e-mail, text, telephone call,or a posting on the client view, once the government taxing authorityhas confirmed receipt and approval or rejection of the submitted taxreturn/forms. The client may access his/her account and view, download,or print the client's tax return/forms.

It is contemplated that the tax consultation may be held over one ormore tax preparation sessions. For example, if the client has notcollected all of the relevant tax-related documents, the client may needto schedule another tax session. The system 10 of the present inventionallows the client to access the client's account via known methods, suchas providing the client's account information (e.g., username andpassword). Embodiments of the present invention also allow for theclient to schedule with the tax agent a tax session at a specific time.The system further allows the tax agent and the client to passinformation between them without necessarily requiring a real-timeconnection of the two parties at every point. In embodiments of thepresent invention, the client and the tax agent may communicate offlinevia text messages, e-mail, telephone, or other preferred mode ofcommunication. For example, the client may choose to drop off relevanttax-related documents at the tax agent's office or place of business.Therefore, it is contemplated that not all interaction between the taxagent and the client will be via the online platform described herein,depending on the preferences of the client.

In even further alternative embodiments of the present invention, theclient may choose to extend the tax consultation over multiple sessionsand work with the first available tax agent during each session, suchthat the same tax agent is not used for the entirety of the taxconsultation. In this example, due to the uniformity of the tax agentview and the ability to review previous multi-communication feeds andthe automatically-updated checklist, a tax agent who has not yet workedwith the client (i.e., who enters the tax consultation “in the middle”of the tax consultation) can quickly come “up to speed” and learn aboutthe particular client's tax situation. In embodiments of the presentinvention, the system stores the information associated with theclient's account (e.g., multi-communication feed, checklists, client'scompleted tax returns/forms) for several months to several years forfuture access of the information. This is also advantageous because itprovides documentation of the tax consultation that may be helpful toone or both of the client and the tax agent should the client ever beaudited or should the tax agent's advice ever be adjudged.

Embodiments of the present invention also include the operations module76 and/or the training module 78. The operations module 76 allows foroperational oversight and management of the delivery of the consumer taxservices. This is advantageous for instances where a particular consumertax services provider has numerous tax agents located at multiplelocations, including multiple offices, spread across a large geographicregion. The operations module 76 provides for one or more tax agents,whether centralized or decentralized, to monitor the status of and takeany needed actions regarding an individual client's interactions withthe tax agent and preparation of the client's tax return.

Features of the operations module 76 include providing statisticalinformation of the total client volume for a particular tax agent, for aparticular office providing consumer tax services, and nationally. Themodule 76 is also operable to track client selection preferences, suchas the criteria used by one or more clients for selection of a taxagent, the preferred expertise for the tax agents, the state(s) in whichclients are located and seeking tax agents, and whether the tax agent isavailable now versus available via appointment. The module 76 alsomonitors, tracks, and flags for follow-up the time since an interactionbetween the client and the tax agent, such as the time when the partieslast communicated and/or the time since the client last accessed his/heraccount. The module 76 also monitors whether a tax return that has beenstarted has been completed, paid for by the client, and filed with theappropriate government taxing authority. The module 76 can also monitorthe number of online clients and tax agents at a present time, includingthe number of scheduled appointments, and how many client accounts havebeen created, and of those created, the number of tax returns completed(including the ratio or conversion percentage between clients who beginbut do not complete a tax return). The module 76 can survey clients andobtain information regarding their satisfaction level with the providedconsumer tax services and with the particular tax agent, the agent'soffice, and any other similar information. The operations module 76could also include a customer support function that provides tax agentsupervisors increased security settings or preferences to access,review, monitor, revise, or otherwise address concerns with a particularclient's tax return.

The training module 78 enables a tax agent to take a web-based trainingcourse to develop awareness and knowledge of the system 10 ofembodiments of the present invention so as to best service the clients.The training module 78 is operable to train the agent how to fully useof the system 10, including allowing the tax agent to practice preparingtax returns via the system 10 in a training environment. The trainingmodule 78 pairs the trainee tax agent with other tax agents or dedicatedtraining personnel to complete online role-play exercises that simulateservicing the client through the platform of the system 10 of thepresent invention. Additionally, tax agents may take certification teststhrough the training module 78 that verify satisfactory development ofthe necessary stills to service clients via the system 10. The trainingmodule 78 is operable to track the tax agent's training and progress incompleting the necessary training courses, and, in some embodiments,will automatically on-board or “turn on” the tax agent's account so asto service the client once the agent's training is completed.

It is to be understood that the functions and operations performed bythe various modules described herein can be performed out of order(unless otherwise stated). Moreover, a function being described asspecific to one module could be performed by another module withoutdeviating from the scope of the invention. The naming of the modules isfor ease of reference only and should not be construed to limit theparticular function or operation of a module.

System Hardware Description:

The system 10, as illustrated in FIG. 2, comprises a client device 54, atax agent device 56, and one or more databases 58 that may be integralwith or accessible by the client and tax agent devices 54,56. Thedatabases 58 store the information accumulated from the taxconsultation, including, without limitation, the client's registrationinformation, the multi-communication feed 34, the conferencing feed 36,the tax-related documents for the client, the client's tax-relatedpersonal information, the tax returns/forms, and other informationgenerated by the parties and as a result of the tax consultation. Thedatabases 58 and/or portions of the databases may be stored on one ormore memory elements located at one or more locations and accessible bythe system 10. In embodiments of the present invention, the databases 58are located at a server 60 separate and remote from the client and taxagent devices 54,56, such that the client and tax agent devices 54,56access the databases 58 for performing the functions described herein.Additionally, the databases 58 may be managed via an RDMS or otherdatabase management system, and the databases 58 may include a look-uptable to facilitate matching or cross-referencing of information storedin the databases 58.

In embodiments of the present invention, the client and tax agentdevices 54,56, as illustrated in FIG. 2, are configured for receiving oraccessing the tax preparation system, including the databases 58 and themodules described above. The devices 54,56 may be any of a mobilecommunication device, a personal computer, a laptop, a mobile phone, asmartphone, a PDA, or other suitable devices. The devices 54,56 maycomprise any number and combination of processors 62 (like elements arelabeled with the same reference numeral), controllers, integratedcircuits, programmable logic devices, or other data and signalprocessing devices for carrying out the functions described herein, andmay additionally comprise one or more memory storage devices,transmitters, receivers, and/or communication busses for communicatingwith the various devices of the system 10. In various embodiments of theinvention, the devices 54,56 may comprise a memory element 64, acommunication component 66, a display 68, user interface 70, a webcamera72, and/or a microphone 80.

In embodiments of the invention, the client and tax agent devices 54,56may implement a computer program and/or code segments of the computerprogram to perform some of the functions described herein. The computerprogram may comprise a listing of executable instructions forimplementing logical functions in the devices 54,56. The computerprogram can be embodied in any computer readable medium, including acomputer readable medium housed at the server 60, for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device,and execute the instructions. As used herein, a “computer readablemedium” can be any means that can contain, store, communicate,propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with theinstruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computerreadable medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electro magnetic, infrared, or semi conductor system,apparatus, device or propagation medium. More specific, although notinclusive, examples of the computer readable medium include thefollowing: a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), aread only memory (ROM), an erasable, programmable, read only memory(EPROM or flash memory), and a portable compact disk read only memory(CDROM), and combinations thereof.

The computer readable medium and the computer program embodied thereonmay be remotely accessible by the devices 54,56, such as via a webbrowser or a stand alone, dedicated application, such as a mobileapplication. The web browser and/or dedicated application may beaccessible via a communications network 74, such as the Internet. Thevarious actions described herein as being performed by or using thecomputer program may actually be performed by one or more computers,processors, or other computational devices, such as the devices 54,56described herein, independently or cooperatively executing portions ofthe computer program.

The memory element 64 may be integral with the respective devices 54,56,stand alone memory, or a combination of both. The memory element 64 mayinclude, for example, a removable and non-removable memory element, suchas RAM, ROM, flash, magnetic, optical, USB memory devices, and/or othermemory elements. The memory element 64 may store one or more of thedatabases 58 described herein, code segments for accessing and using thedatabases 58, and/or other data for instructing the devices 54,56 toperform the functions and methods described herein. The memory element64 may comprise a plurality of memory elements located within thedevices 54,56 and/or located at a plurality of locations and accessibleremotely via the respective communication component 66.

The communication component 66 may comprise a wirelesstransmitter/receiver, antenna, or any other wired or wireless deviceoperable to send and/or receive data signals to and from the client andtax agent devices 54,56. For example, in some embodiments of theinvention, the various databases 58 and/or the computer programdescribed herein may be stored in separate locations or in separatememory elements and may be accessible remotely, such as over theInternet. Thus, the communication component 66 may be configured forsending and receiving data regarding the plurality of modules orotherwise determined using the computer program.

The display 68 may comprise a graphical interface operable to displayvisual graphics, images, text, etc. in response to external or internalprocesses and commands. For example, the display 68 may compriseconventional black and white, monochrome, or color display elementsincluding CRT, TFT, LCD, and/or LED display devices. The display 68 maybe integrated with the respective user interface 70, such as inembodiments where the display 68 is a touch screen display to enable theuser to interact with it by touching or pointing at display areas toprovide information to the respective device 54,56. The display 68 maybe coupled with various other components of the respective devices 54,56and may be operable to display various information corresponding to themodules of the present invention.

The user interface 70 enables the client and the tax agent to shareinformation and input commands with the respective device 54,56. Theuser interface may comprise one or more functionable inputs, such asbuttons, switches, scroll wheels, a touch screen associated with thedisplay 68, voice recognition elements such as a microphone, pointingdevices such as mice, touchpads, tracking balls, styluses, a camera,including a webcamera 72, such as a digital or film still or videocamera, an optical scanner, and combinations thereof. The user interface70 may also include a speaker for providing audible instructions andfeedback and a microphone 80 for audio communication. Further, the userinterface 70 may comprise wired or wireless data transfer elements, suchas the communication component 66, a removable memory, datatransceivers, and a transmitter, to enable the user and other devices orparties to remotely interface with the device or the system 10.

In embodiments of the present invention, each of the client's and taxagent's devices 54,56 has the webcam 70 or other camera for assisting inthe conferencing feed 36, as described above. Moreover, althoughspecialized software is not required for implementing the functions ofthe computer program of the present invention, certain web-browserplug-ins, such as FLASH® may assist in the user experience.

It is to be appreciated that the components of the client's device neednot be the same as the tax agent's device. For example, the tax agentmay choose to have two displays.

Operation of the Computer Program and Steps of the Method:

In use, the computer program stored on the computer readable storagemedium associated with and/or accessible by the client and tax agentdevices 54,56 may be executed to perform the functions described in theplurality of system modules and the steps of the method of embodimentsof the present invention. The flow chart of FIG. 3 depicts the steps ofexemplary methods of the invention in more detail. In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the various blocks may occur outof the order depicted in FIG. 3. For example, two blocks shown insuccession in FIG. 3 may in fact be executed substantially concurrently,or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order dependingupon the functionality involved.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 of performing a tax consultation forpreparation of the client's taxes, wherein the tax consultation is heldvia the online, real-time platform, and the tax agent is remote from theclient. As discussed above, the client may begin a tax sessioncomprising the tax consultation by accessing the computer program ofembodiments of the present invention. The computer program is accessiblevia a website, a stand-alone application, or other known onlineplatforms. Upon accessing the computer program (referred to hereafter asthe “application” for ease of reference) and indicating an interest tobegin the tax consultation, the method of embodiments of the presentinvention receives minimal client registration information in responseto one or more prompts presented to the user via the application, asindicated at Step 302 of FIG. 3. The client is then presented with oneor more schedule preferences selectable by the client, such as whetherthe client desires to locate a tax agent available now versus schedulingan appointment, as indicated at Step 304. In embodiments of the presentinvention, the schedule preferences of the client comprise either orboth and at the least an expertise of the tax agent needed for preparingthe client's taxes and a geographical proximity of the tax agent to theclient.

After the client has been matched with a tax agent, the online,real-time tax consultation between the client and the tax agent isestablished, as indicated at Step 306. The tax consultation is held viathe application, such that the tax agent is remote from the client, andall aspects of the tax consultation are held electronically and online.“Online” as used herein is intended to encompass the tax agent andclient communicating via a public switched telephone network, theInternet, including use of Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), andother communications networks.

To assist the client and the tax agent in communicating during theconsultation, the multi-communication feed having the electronic chatinterface and the conferencing feed are established, as indicated inSteps 308 and 310, respectively. As noted above, the client can choosewhether to video conference with the tax agent or have audio only.

The method as implemented by the computer program of the presentinvention provides a client view for display to and viewing by theclient, as indicated at Step 312. The client view comprises the windows,inputs, multi-communication feed, conferencing feed, and other featuresof the computer program for display by the client during the taxsession. The client view is personal to the client (although there aregeneral consistencies among multiple clients), and the client view canbe arranged by the client to their desired preferences.

The client is next presented with one or more prompts for furtherinformation, including tax-related personal information, and the methodof embodiments of the present invention receives such information fromthe client in response to the prompts, as indicated at Step 314. Theprompts comprise input screens that specifically identify the requestedinformation and questions set forth by the tax agent in one or both ofthe multi-communication and conferencing feeds.

Because most, if not all, tax returns require some documents personal tothe client, the method of the present invention provides to the client alisting of common tax-related documents, as indicated at Step 316, andreceives at least one uploaded tax-related document from the client, asindicated at Step 318. In embodiments of the present invention, theclient may push a tax-related document to the computer program via athird-party site, such as payroll provider who has an electronic copy ofthe client's tax-related document.

The method as implemented by the computer program of the presentinvention provides a tax agent view for display to and viewing by thetax agent, as indicated at Step 320. The tax agent view includesproviding a document review interface for allowing the tax agent toreview, organize, and annotate the tax-related documents of the client,as indicated at Step 322.

Upon completion by the tax agent of the tax forms comprising the taxreturn, the method provides for the client to review the tax forms, asindicated at Step 324. As discussed above, the client can download orotherwise view the tax forms at the computer program of the presentinvention. Further, the client can choose to receive a notification,such as e-mail or text, once the forms are prepared.

After the client has reviewed the tax forms, the client is requested toapprove the forms. Approval can be indicated by receiving an electronicsignature of the client, as indicated at Step 326. The forms are thenelectronically submitted to a government taxing authority, as indicatedat Step 328.

Although the invention has been described with reference to theembodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is notedthat equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. Forexample, the present invention has been described with respect toassisting a client in the preparation of the client's tax return.However, the present invention could be employed in other financialofferings. For example, the present invention could be employed toassist a client in choosing certain investment opportunities, includingstocks, funds, etc. In even further embodiments of the presentinvention, the shared information module 18 is operable to receivetax-related documents including receipts of purchased goods or services,at any time throughout the tax year. In particular, the client mayupload or otherwise save in the secure repository or vault tax-relateddocuments at any time and not necessarily contemporaneous with the taxconsultation. This allows the client the ability to have a single,secure repository for all tax-related documents. Moreover, this allowsthe client the flexibility to upload the tax-related documents at theclient's convenience and not necessarily at one time or at a timegenerally contemporaneous with preparation of the tax return.

In even further embodiments of the present invention and as brieflydescribed above, not all interaction between the client and the taxagent need be online and via the platform provided by the presentinvention. For example, some communication between the client and taxagent may be “offline,” such as a telephone call or text message. Or,the parties may send each other communications using the platform butbetween tax consultation sessions. For example, the client can “sign on”to the client's account and send a message to the tax agent via one orboth of the multi-communication feed or conferencing feed. Alternativelyor in addition, the client may initially establish the client account,upload the tax-related documents, but approve the tax return in personat the tax agent's office. Therefore, it should be appreciated that oneor more actions or activities that comprise delivery of the consumer taxservices may be performed offline and separate from the computer programof embodiments of the present invention.

Having thus described various embodiments of the invention, what isclaimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includesthe following:

1. A system for an online, real-time tax consultation for preparation ofa client's taxes by a tax agent, wherein the tax agent is remote fromthe client, and the system is implemented via an electronic, onlineapplication accessible via a communications network, the systemcomprising: a start-up module including a registration interface forreceipt of minimal registration information from the client, wherein theclient inputs the registration information electronically into theregistration interface in response to one or more prompts from theregistration interface for the registration information, and a schedulerinterface for allowing the client to locate a tax agent for preparationof the client's taxes, wherein the scheduler interface locates taxagents based on criteria specific to the client's tax needs; a taxconsultation module for allowing the online, real-time tax consultationbetween the client and the tax agent, the tax consultation moduleincluding a multi-communication feed including an electronic chatinterface for communication between the client and the tax agent duringthe tax consultation and via written word, and a conferencing feed forallowing the tax agent and the client to communicate via at least one ofvideo and audio; a client module for presenting a client view fordisplay to and viewing by the client, the client module including a taxinformation portal that includes at least one prompt for requesting theclient to enter tax-related personal information; a shared informationmodule for electronic uploading of tax-related documents by the clientfor review by the tax agent and for review of tax forms by the client,said shared information module including a listing for review by theclient of common tax-related documents, said shared information modulefurther operable to electronically source tax-related information fromthe uploaded tax-related document and use the sourced tax-relatedinformation for completion of one or more tax forms; a tax agent modulefor presenting a tax agent view for display to and viewing by the taxagent, the tax agent module including a document review interface forallowing the tax agent to review, organize, and annotate said uploadedtax-related documents, wherein the document review interface furtherallows the tax agent to post to the shared information module at leastpartially completed tax forms for review by the client prior to filingsaid tax forms with a government taxing authority, a tax completionmodule for receiving an electronic signature of the client, and forelectronically submitting at least one of the tax forms to saidgovernment taxing authority.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein theminimal registration information includes location information for theclient and information for determining an expertise required of a taxagent to be partnered with the client.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe criteria for the location of a tax agent specific to the client'sneeds includes a geographical location of the tax agent relative to theclient and the expertise of the tax agent.
 4. The system of claim 3, thescheduler interface including the following: an option for selection bythe client of tax agents immediately available and located within apreset geographical proximity to the client, an option for selection bythe client of tax agents with whom an appointment can be made, and anoption for selection by the client of a specific tax agent desired bythe client.
 5. The system of claim 4, the scheduler interface includingthe following: a profile module for viewing by the client of the profileor expertise for a particular tax agent, and a sorting module forsorting the tax agents based on the options selected by the client. 6.The system of claim 1, the start-up module further including an accountcreation interface accessible by the client and for inputting of clientinformation.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the client module furtherpresents for display to and viewing by the client at least a portion ofthe multi-communication feed and the conferencing feed.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the multi-communication feed is searchable based ontext or date of a particular communication in the multi-communicationfeed.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said conferencing feed includesan audio only connection.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the clientmodule further includes a task list viewable by the client in the clientview, the task list including an option for allowing the client tochange a client account setting and an option to access said tax-relateddocuments and tax forms.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the tasklist is automatically updated by the system upon completion of aparticular task.
 12. The system of claim 1, the client module furtheroperable to send a notification to the client upon the tax agentrequesting such, wherein said notification is selected from the groupconsisting of: e-mail or text.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein theshared information module is further operable to electronically receivethe tax-related information for the client from a financial institutionassociated with the client.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein theclient can access the shared information module to review thetax-related documents, the tax forms, and any other documents generatedby the system.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the shared informationmodule allows for the tax agent to control the client's view of thetax-related document and highlight points of interest on the tax-relateddocument.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the tax agent can annotatesaid tax-related documents in real-time during the tax consultation forviewing of said annotations by the client via the client module.
 17. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the client may submit payment for the taxconsultation via the tax completion module.
 18. The system of claim 1,wherein the system is operable to store the tax-related documents andtax forms for accessing by the client or the tax agent at a timesubsequent to the tax consultation.
 19. A computer program stored on anon-transitory computer readable storage medium for performing anonline, real-time tax consultation for preparation of a client's taxesby a tax agent, wherein the tax agent is remote from the client, thecomputer program operable to perform the following steps: receiveminimal client registration information from the client; receiveschedule preferences from the client for locating a tax agent who willprepare the client's tax return, wherein said schedule preferencesaccount for criteria specific to the client's tax needs; establish anonline, real-time tax consultation with the client, wherein the taxconsultation is held electronically between the client and the taxagent; establish a multi-communication feed between the client and thetax agent, wherein the multi-communication feed includes an electronicchat interface; establish a conferencing feed between the client and thetax agent for allowing the client and tax agent to communicate via atleast one of video and audio; provide a client view for display to andviewing by the client; receive tax-related personal information from theclient in response to a prompt for said information; provide to theclient a listing of common tax-related documents; receive at least onetax-related document from the client, wherein the document is uploadedby the client; provide a tax agent view for display to and viewing bythe tax agent; provide a document review interface for allowing the taxagent to review, organize, and annotate said at least one uploadedtax-related document; provide for the client to review one or more taxforms prepared by the tax agent; receive an electronic signature of theclient; and electronically submit at least one of the one or more taxforms to a government taxing authority.
 20. A method for performing anonline, real-time tax consultation for preparation of a client's taxesby a tax agent, wherein the tax agent is remote from the client, themethod comprising the steps of: receiving minimal client registrationinformation from the client; receiving schedule preferences from theclient for locating a tax agent who will prepare the client's taxreturn, wherein said schedule preferences account for criteria specificto the client's tax needs; establishing an online, real-time taxconsultation with the client, wherein the tax consultation is heldelectronically between the client and the tax agent; establishing amulti-communication feed between the client and the tax agent, whereinthe multi-communication feed includes an electronic chat interface;establishing a conferencing feed between the client and the tax agentfor allowing the client and tax agent to communicate via at least one ofvideo and audio; providing a client view for display to and viewing bythe client; receiving tax-related personal information from the clientin response to a prompt for said information; providing to the client alisting of common tax-related documents; receiving at least onetax-related document from the client, wherein the document is uploadedby the client; providing a tax agent view for display to and viewing bythe tax agent; providing a document review interface for allowing thetax agent to review, organize, and annotate said at least one uploadedtax-related document; providing for the client to review one or more taxforms prepared by the tax agent; receiving an electronic signature ofthe client; and electronically submitting at least one of the one ormore tax forms to a government taxing authority.